Submitted

Congressman
Brian Higgins welcomed the appointment and confirmation of Gil Kerlikowske as commissioner
of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Kerlikowske,
who is a U.S. Army veteran and most recently served as the adviser to the White
House on national drug control policy, worked as police commissioner in the
City of Buffalo from 1994-99.

In
remarks on the House Floor, Higgins noted the commissioner's appointment comes
at a critical time as the U.S. and Canada are engaged in the "Beyond the Border" initiative, which looks
at "A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness." The congressman
also pointed out ongoing initiatives involving CBP at both the Peace Bridge and
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Below
is the text of Higgins' statement:

"Mr. Speaker,

"I rise to welcome Gil Kerlikowske, who was
recently confirmed as commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"I am pleased to welcome a commissioner who has an
understanding of the unique needs of the northern border as he previously
served as police commissioner for the City of Buffalo. His first-hand
experience comes at a critical time as we work to advance the U.S./Canadian 'Beyond
the Border' initiative.

"In Western New York, this cross-border
relationship is especially critical to the local economy. I have worked with
Customs and Border Protection in the past to advocate for increased border
staffing levels along the border. At the Peace Bridge, there is also a
pre-inspection pilot currently underway that hopes to ease congestion and
shorten wait times. In the coming year, we hope to continue moving forward on
plans to construct a new border station at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base.

"Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Commissioner
Kerlikowske and look forward to working closely with him and his staff on
important issues to the Buffalo-Niagara region and the entire nation."

Higgins
is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and its subcommittees
on counter terrorism & intelligence and emergency preparedness, response
& communications. As a representative of the Western New York community
adjacent to Southern Ontario, Higgins has placed particular focus on northern
border issues. He also serves as a member of the House Foreign Affairs
Committee and Congressional Northern Border Caucus.